How to Drill a Test Hole in the Ice
When you want to go ice fishing or you need to drive over a frozen lake, it helps to first drill a test hole in the ice. This allows you to find out exactly how deep the ice is, and whether or not it's safe to cross. To properly determine the depth of ice, you need an ice auger, which is essentially a large drill bit that you either turn by hand or with the help of a motor. Depending on the thickness of the ice, this process takes just a few minutes, or maybe a bit longer.
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Instructions
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Push the gas bulb button on the side of the motor until you see gas flowing through the clear tube above the button. Turn the choke lever on the side of the motor to the "Start" position. Turn the off/on switch to the "On" position.
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Pull the pull cord with quick short pulls. Turn the choke lever to the halfway position once the engine starts. Allow the engine to run for a few minutes to warm up. Position the power auger on the ice so the tip of the auger is in the spot you want to drill, and the auger is perfectly straight up and down.
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Push down on the accelerator button using your thumb. Allow the weight of the auger to push the auger through the ice, while keeping the tool vertical at all times using both of your hands. Lift the auger out of the hole once you feel it pop through the other end of the ice.
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Pull out a length of the tape measure and put the end of the tape at the bottom of the hole. Read the measurement on the side of the tape to find out if the depth meets your specifications.
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Tips & Warnings
If you're just going ice fishing, look for ice that's at least 4 inches thick. For a snowmobile or ATV, you need 5 inches; and with cars and light-duty trucks, look for 8 to 12 inches. Always err on the side of caution, and look for ice that's clear and free of cracks.
References
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